Method and apparatus for varying win probability and payouts of a gaming machine

Abstract

A method and apparatus for varying win probabilities and/or payouts of a gaming machine as a function of the amount wagered by a player in a round of play is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probability of receiving a winning combination and/or the payouts for one or more winning combinations increase as an amount wagered increases. In one embodiment, sets of outcomes are stored in memory, each set of outcomes associated with an amount bet or a range of bets. The possible outcomes for larger bets represent a higher probability of receiving a winning combination or payout. The outcome of a game or round is determined by mapping a random number generated by a random number generator to outcomes stored in memory.

1 . A method of playing a game on a gaming machine in which the probability of receiving a winning outcome varies dependent upon an amount wagered, comprising the steps of:
 accepting a wager from a player;   determining if said wager is a first amount or a second amount, said second amount being larger than said first amount;   presenting a game for play by said player, said game having a first probability of resulting in a winning outcome if said wager is said first amount, and said game having a second probability of resulting in a winning outcome if said wager is said second amount;   determining the outcome of said game; and   awarding said player a winning if said outcome is a winning outcome.